2. amps-preamps
  3. 1448317474

Synergistic Red Fuse ...

I installed a SR RED Quantum fuse in my ARC REF-3 preamp a few days ago, replacing an older high end fuse. Uhh ... for a hundred bucks, this little baby is well worth the cost. There was an immediate improvement upon installation, but now that its broken in (yes, no kidding), its quite remarkable. A tightening of the focus, a more solid image, and most important of all for my tastes, a deeper appreciation for the organic sound of the instruments. Damn! ... cellos sound great! Much improved attack on pianos. More humanistic on vocals. Bowed bass goes down forever. Next move? .... I'm doing the entire system with these fuses. One at a time though just to gauge the improvement in each piece of equipment. The REF-75se comes next. I'll report the results as the progression takes place. Stay tuned ...

Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
128x128oregonpapa
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
If Dennis has improved those two vital factors then the amplifier could certainly be much improved.Power supply and output transformers are the last two areas I'd cut corners on.
Charles
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,466 posts
 
Yes the power supply in my amp was not very robust and the iron was very small and light. Was the iron high quality? I don't know for sure but the ElectraPrint amp that followed it in my home weighted twice as much and sounded so much better. The EP amp put out 12 watts. 

I owned a George Wright 300b and 2A3 amp that was far more memorable sonically.  Ditto for several other SET amps. 

His design looked solid and I am sure a better power supply and iron would reap big sonic benefits. But this would cost more!
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Wolf_Garcia 3-29-2017
I’ve met Dennis Had who is a former and current world class designer, and a brilliant no nonsense guy who is fun to talk to and seems to know more than the average forum knucklehead could ever understand about circuits and sound.
FWIW, I think most would agree that if the words "former and current" had simply been omitted this sentence would stand as stated, regardless of one’s opinion of the Inspire amps. If a designer has a history of producing multiple designs that can reasonably be considered to be world class, but at other times has produced designs that are less than stellar, he is still a world class designer IMO. Especially if those other designs are at much lower price points than his main body of work.

Best regards,
-- Al

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
This is why the single ended amplifier experience can be a rousing success or a failure. The circuits are beautifully simple and use fewer parts. They can be ruined with the short comings mentioned above.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Al,
I agree with your post, Dennis Had has proven success, yes. The problem is as you note when you attempt to cut cost. I’m not saying you need exotic premium transformers but they do need to be of reasonably high quality. Also wimpy power supply design is a certain recipe for poorer sound quality. He didn’t have these compromise concerns with his high quality Cary SET amplifiers, he used quite good quality parts  especially output transformers.
Charles
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